A Journey of Service: From Military Nursing to Supporting Perley Health
Support Karen in the Ottawa Race Weekend!
Born into an Army family, Karen Reed's upbringing instilled a deep appreciation for the care of Veterans. After training as a Registered Nurse in Kingston, Ontario, she worked at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital before joining the Canadian Armed Forces. Her postings took her across Canada, from CFB Edmonton to CFS Gypsumville in Manitoba, where she gained invaluable nursing experience.
“After completing high school, I trained to be a Registered Nurse at the Kingston General Hospital, graduating in 1972,” said Reed. “My family roots were very deep in Orillia Ontario and I went there to work at the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. After several years I decided I would like a change and joined the Canadian Armed Forces. I was posted to CFB Edmonton at Namao Air Base where I enjoyed an interesting and most worthwhile nursing experience. Temporary duty at CFS Gypsumville in Manitoba also added to this.”
In Edmonton, Karen met her husband Bill, a Deputy Judge Advocate. Bill was posted to Europe twice and also spent several years in Ottawa. Over the years their family grew as their adventures did, and they had their daughter; adopted Cocker Spaniels; gained a son-in-law; had their granddaughter; and added grand-dogs and grand-cats to the family tree. Their journey together also led them to witnessing the merging of Perley Hospital and Rideau Veterans’ Hospital into the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre (now Perley Health).
“During our times in Ottawa plans were underway and then fulfilled to build a new health center merging the Perley Hospital and Rideau Veterans’ Hospital. We visited family friends -who were residents at the time- at the new centre, which was impressive, and heard how pleased they were with the facility and the care they were receiving.”
When Bill's health declined, they found solace in Perley's compassionate care, eventually moving into the assisted living apartments themselves. When Bill’s health declined further, he moved into the Rideau building’s long-term care residences; units devoted specifically to Veteran care. Both Karen and Bill acknowledged that the care they received at Perley Health further reinforced their admiration for Perley's staff.
“Both Bill and I have benefited greatly from Perley Health. Here at Perley, the Assisted Living Staff in the Senior Living Apartments, as well as the staff on Rideau 1 South and throughout Perley Health Centre have been excellent. Everyone has been thorough, kind, and cheerful, and we feel most fortunate to be here.”
Now, Karen is determined to give back. Participating in Ottawa Race Weekend for Team Perley Health, she aims to raise funds to sustain the centre's commitment to excellence in care and training. In Karen's eyes, supporting Perley Health is not just a duty but a privilege, a testament to the exceptional care they provide to Seniors and Veterans.
“I want to help raise funds so Perley Health can continue to provide excellence in all aspects of care and training in this amazing centre.”